Pakistan lit up under the first supermoon of 2025, the Beaver Moon, on Wednesday evening, offering stargazers across the country a spectacular view of the night sky.
According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the Beaver Supermoon was the closest, largest, and brightest full Moon of the year, reaching peak illumination at 6:19 pm local time.
Suparco noted that the Moon was 356,980 kilometres (221,817 miles) from Earth, appearing 7.9% larger and 16% brighter than a typical full Moon due to its proximity at perigee. A supermoon occurs when a full Moon aligns with its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
This November supermoon is the second in a trio of consecutive supermoons, following October and preceding December, the agency added. While the change in size and brightness may be subtle to the naked eye, it offers a rare and captivating astronomical spectacle.
Supermoons typically appear three to four times a year, depending on the alignment of the Moon’s perigee and full phase.
The term “Beaver Moon” comes from North American traditions and colonial folklore, marking the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze. Beavers, known for felling trees to build dams, inspired the name.
Earlier, a NASA spokesperson explained that a supermoon’s proximity is what makes it so striking. “While a supermoon isn’t physically larger, its closeness can make it appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a full Moon at its farthest point,” the official said.
